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Francis has respect for Yanks' rich history

7/11/14: Joe Girardi discusses what new Yankee Jeff Francis can bring to the team and what role he will play as part of the Yankees

By Bryan Hoch
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MLB.com |

BALTIMORE -- Jeff Francis has appeared in 238 Major League games with four clubs, but the left-hander has never had an opportunity to pitch in Yankee Stadium, something that the 10-year big league vet is looking forward to.

"It's probably been said a hundred times over, but that's a building with a lot of history, even though it's new," Francis said. "The team has a lot of history, so it's something that I'm looking forward to."

The present, and not the organization's history, was on the Yankees' mind when they acquired Francis along with cash considerations from the Athletics on Friday in exchange for a player to be named.

The Yankees could use help soaking up innings out of the bullpen, where Adam Warren described the squad as "not fresh, obviously, but I wouldn't say we're going out there pitching injured."

Francis had been working as a long reliever with the A's, for whom he was 0-1 with a 6.08 ERA in nine appearances. He started the year with the Reds, making one start.

"Right now, he's probably a two-inning guy and another left-hander," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "Maybe he gets stretched out during some games for us. That's not really what you want, but maybe it happens. It's just another guy that can give you multiple innings."

To create room for Francis on the active roster, the Yankees designated right-hander Matt Daley for assignment. Daley was called up on Friday when the Yankees designated righty Jim Miller.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.